This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Melk.
Melk is a small town in the Austrian state of Niederösterreich (Lower Austria). The town has a population of just a little over five thousand people and lies along the Danube River, between Linz and the capital, Vienna. It is most famous for its enormous Benedictine Monastery, named Melk Abbey, located on the rocky perch overlooking the town. The place can be visited with or without guides; in any case, it is a must-see as the building itself is gigantic and offers breathtaking views of the Danube River and Melk town. Keep in mind there are usually a lot of tourists visiting and that the last admissions are at 4 or 5 p.m. (depending on what time of the year you are visitng).
The town of Melk itself is usually overshadowed by the famous abbey, although it offers some interesting historical sights. Two of the most noticeable are perhaps Haus am Stein (House at the Rock), which is the oldest building in the town, and Haus auf dem Stein (House on the Rock). Other places that are definitely worth visiting are the picturesque Wachau Valley, between the towns of Melk and Krems, and one of the most magnificent Renaissance castles, the Schallaburg Castle, located just a few kilometres south of Melk. Most of the tourists that stop in Melk usually just visit the famous Melk Abbey, but if you wish stay a little longer there are a couple of decent options for sleeping accommodations, although you will not find many hostels in Melk.
Written by local enthusiast for Melk hostels
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